Saturday, February 11, 2012

HAPPINESS

Squirrel
and Lion by Prof. P.K.Keshap

A small squirrel was in the service of king of the jungle • the
lion. Every animal of the jungle was astonished at the swiftness and enthusiasm
with which the tiny squirrel served the lion.

The dedication of the squirrel also made animals around the king
jealous.

What was the reason behind this service was a question that troubled
the minds of many animals. But they never dared to ask the squirrel this
mentally bubbling question.

They always feared that the tiny squirrel will tell this to the
lion and the questioner will be taken to task by the king.

Many days passed by and one night when the tiny squirrel was having dinner with
other squirrels confessed to its companions, • The king has promised me 10
bagfuls of akhrot (walnuts)- the much liked fruit for we squirrels.

I always dream of eating akhrots(walnut) but can• t find any
around here.• The companions nodded in agreement. • This is the reason I am
putting in so hard to serve the king. I don• t intend to annoy the king.

King scolds and frets at me, but I keep mum thinking about the
promised akhrots. I many times miss my meals. This is bad. I know but I am sure
that I shall be enjoying the akhrots in return in future. All gains have
pains,• the tiny squirrel appeared to be suggestive to the other ones.

Days went by and the tiny squirrel grew old. One day the king spoke to the
squirrel, • You have grown old and I have decided to retire you. I wish you
enjoy your post retirement life. So, from next month you will be retired from
the service. I am grateful to you for serving me for all these years.•

Squirrel was happy to listen these words from the king's mouth.
Now the squirrel started dreaming of the day of retirement and 10 bagfuls of
akhrots( walnuts) • the much liked dry fruit by squirrels.

Many times, when the squirrel slept, it went on licking its
mouth as if it had broken the nut and eaten the dry fruit inside it.

Finally, the day of retirement came. King invited other animals and arranged a
big see-off party.

As promised, the king gave 10 bagfuls as gift of of akhrots to
the squirrel and spoke a few words in appreciation of its services.Other
speakers also spoke hihgly of squirrels dedication during service tims. Senior
animals garlanded the squirrel. Squarrel was overcharged with emotions.
Squirrel was very happy. At last, the squirrel shook hands with all and took leave.

Squirrel arranged for ferrying the bagfuls of akhrots to its
house. It was very happy moment for the squarrel. At last, it had had what was
dreamt of for so many years. Other squirrels also helped and joined it.

Reaching home, taking some rest and feeling fresh, the squirrel opened one bag
and wanted to break a nut but could not do so.

Its teeth were not strong enough to break the nut. Despite best
efforts, squirrel could not succeed and became morose.

Young squirrels were breaking, eating and enjoying the akhrots
quickly

The long wait for years for the promised akhrots was a source of
happiness for a while. The old squirrel became sad and lay on the bed without
eating a single akhrot. The squirrel had understood that it could not eat any
akhrot as its teeth were weak and some were missing. It created internal
anguish of repentance inside the squirrel. Squirrel was feeling "I have
committed a grave mistake. I can't enjoy the walnuts."

The feeling was visible tears in its eyes. The tears could fall
any time. Tears were like water waiting at dam to shoot when gates open.